Password Security

We would all like secure, memorable passwords. Too many people use words found in the dictionary (including foreign words), proper nouns, birthdates, anniversary dates, nicknames or pet names. This habit produces memorable, unsecure passwords.

Instead, use a schematic that will allow you to create memorable and more secure passwords.

1. Think of a phrase. It could be a verse from a favorite song: "When you wish upon a star"

2. Re-write the phrase using just the first letter of each word: WYWUAS

3. Add length. Typically, the longer your password the more secure it is. Many sites, though, limit password length. Find a longer phrase or repeat your phrase until it reaches the prescribed length: WYWUASWY

4. Now replace at least one letter with a character or number: W!WUASW!

This gives you a basic password.

Even better is to choose two phrases and create two passwords. Use one for all sites that access your money: banking sites, PayPal, EBay, etc. Use the other one for everything else.

The best practice is to have a unique password for every website. To do this, add part of the site name to the previous schematic. For example: ebW!WUAS (for EBay).

Please note these are just examples. Use your own passphrases: a favorite line from a poem, a phrase from a movie, a favorite saying. Remember that security increases with length and through incorporating upper case, lower case, characters and numbers.

The main threats to cracking your password are electronic tools, not a burglar or co-worker. However, if you must write your passwords down, keep them in a secure location, not under the keyboard or on a post-it note on your desk. By using the above schematic, you will easily be able to remember your new, more secure passwords.

Nancy Harrison
EverythingJustSo.com
Web Development and Content Management

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